Bulletproof Chain

[Lotsokids]

I've been watching my chain for nearly a 2 years now with regular lubing. To date, I have not adjusted the tension at all. I still have about 1/2 or 3/4 inch play in the center. I've owned MANY bikes in my life and I have seen a lot of chains stretch and loosen within just a few months. But my FJ's chain is still the same - even after a lot of torture I've given it. It's pretty accurate to say I'm kind of hard on my bike nearly every day. I just enjoy that raw power the FJ dishes out. I wiped a few links off today to see any special marking or anything, but all I see is "Japan" stamped on the links. I've never seen a chain take this kind of abuse!

[markmartin]

Try wiping off a few more links.  I cleaned mine last night and re -lubed it.  It says Japan on every 10 or 15 links but also says EK 530 ZZZ on some links.

I bought this chain 2 years ago and it's virtually adjustment free.  They're known to be a tough chain.  Maybe you have one too.?

[FJmonkey]

Try wiping off a few more links.  I cleaned mine last night and re -lubed it.  It says Japan on every 10 or 15 links but also says EK 530 ZZZ on some links.

I bought this chain 2 years ago and it's virtually adjustment free.  They're known to be a tough chain.  Maybe you have one too.?

We need to know, what chains are worthy of the FJ torque???

[andyb]

If there's holes in the sideplates, it's most likely a ZZZ.

[Pat Conlon]

We need to know, what chains are worthy of the FJ torque???

In my opinion.... The oem FJ chain is a very high quality item, and if properly taken care of can last beyond 40,000 miles (my experience)

Aftermarket: The DID ZVM2 chain is what I have run for the last 4.5 years, ~ 28,000 miles on both bikes, the '84 and '92.
The chains are holding up fine..... However, I do not drag race but, then again, I do fall down....

My '84 has a RPM built 1349 motor (with lots of torque) and the DID (so far) is still doing well....We shall see.

My next chain(s) will be the EK ZZZ chain, strongly recommended by Andy and Frank (who happen to know a thing or two about big power FJ's)
When the time comes....Perhaps I'll drop down to a 525 chain ZZZ chain and see if I can fit a 19 tooth c/s sprocket.....I'm undecided at this point.

[axiom-r]

All 530's??

[Pat Conlon]

yep, so far all chains... from oem new to today's chains have been 530's.

Yet I am still undecided about the 525 conversion. I have seen first hand the damage a broken chain can do to to a engine case. (FUBAR comes to mind)

Back in '75, I broke a RK chain on my Honda CB500 ...It locked up the rear tire while I was on Interstate 10 in downtown LA, during rush hour (75mph bumper to bumper)....now, that was exciting.